Text Comprehension: Development, Instruction and Multiple texts

Job description

Applications are invited for a 3-4 year position as a Postdoctoral fellow working in educational science, who will be affiliated with the research group “Text comprehension: Development, Instruction, and Multiple texts” (TextDIM), located in the Department of Education at the University of Oslo. Participants in this research group investigate oral language and discourse in relation to reading literacy in both language minority and language majority students across the age span, as well as reading across mediums (i.e., printed and digital texts) and critical reading and learning skills among secondary and post-secondary students. Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches are used in this research. More information about research projects and topics covered by TextDIM can be found on the research group’s website.

For this position, applicants must prepare a project proposal positioned within one or both of the following projects anchored within the research agenda of the TextDIM group:

“Reading across mediums, devices, and contexts” (CrossREAD)

“Epistemic justification in multiple document literacy” (JustMDL)

The project "CrossREAD" compares learning and comprehension across reading mediums (printed and digital texts), learning and comprehension across digital devices (e.g., desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones), and learning and comprehension across digital reading contexts (e.g., social networking sites, question-and-answering forums, online news sites, and more traditional websites). The project "JustMDL" focuses on the role of epistemic cognition in processes and products of multiple document comprehension. Both projects mainly use quantitative approaches.

While international applicants are certainly welcome, mastery of a Scandinavian language is desirable. We are seeking a highly motivated and competent candidate who is willing and able to participate actively in the research community in the department and in the research group, as well as in the wider international community of scholars in this area of research.

More about the position

The appointment is a fulltime position and is made for a period of up to three years (10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities).

If there is a good match between the candidate’s competence and the Department’s teaching needs, the position is extended to four years, 25% of which is devoted to teaching duties, usually in the form of teaching activities at the department.

Postdoctoral fellows who are appointed for a period of four years are expected to acquire basic pedagogical competency in the course of their fellowship period within the duty component of 25 %.

The main purpose of the fellowship is to qualify researchers for work in higher academic positions within their disciplines.

Please see the guidelines concerning appointment to post-doctoral and research positions at the University of Oslo.

Qualification requirements

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Education, Psychology, or another relevant field (e.g., media science). Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Appointment is dependent on the public defense of the doctoral thesis being approved
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

The following qualifications will count in the assessment of the applicants:

• The scholarly merit and relevance of prior research
• The track-record and potential to complete the proposed project within the time frame

Personal skills

• Strong collaborative and communication skills
• High personal motivation for research
• A commitment to work towards the project’s common goal
• Ability to work focused and independently

We offer

• salary NOK 553 500 – 626 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow (position code 1352)
• a professionally stimulating working environment
• attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement, in addition to Oslo’s family-friendly environment with its rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

How to apply

The application must include

• cover letter that includes statement of motivation, summarizes scientific work and offers a brief outline of the applicant's research interest and potential contributions relevant to the projects (based on the information provided on the project websites, max 8 pages). Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact one of the PIs for guidance in the preparation of their application
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• copy of PhD Diploma or documentation of thesis submission. Applicants who have not yet defended their PhD dissertation need to include an advisor’s letter confirming specific expectations about when the degree will be received
• copies of educational certificates (academic transcripts only)
• a complete list of publications
• academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered
• list of reference persons: 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and phone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

Incomplete applications will not be assessed.

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented academic qualifications, the quality of prior research, as well as the candidate’s motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Formal regulations

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Fellow period at the University of Oslo.

According to the Norwegian Freedom of Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results etc.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact information

• Professor, Helge I Strømsø
• Professor and leader of TextDIM, Vibeke Grøver

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